Row hots up over cash snub

Friends of Morecambe's Winter Garden theatre pictured admiring a newly-restored cast-iron pillar are from left to right: Evelyn Archer, trustee Roger Muckle and Friends committee member June Stancliffe.

Greg Lambert

The driving force behind the resurrection of the Winter Gardens has lashed out at Lancaster City Council over a funding bid snub.

Evelyn Archer claimed the council “has no confidence in Morecambe” after she was told to put together a business case for a £30,000 grant.

The Trustees of the Winter Gardens are extremely disappointed that the Labour controlled cabinet, and supported by all political groups on the council, refused to consider and support the growth bid to help install a heating system in the Winter Gardens

Evelyn Archer

Mrs Archer had earlier written to leaders of all political parties on the council, asking for cash for a new heating system at the theatre.

But at last week’s budget council meeting, her bid was barely mentioned.

Mrs Archer said: “The Trustees of the Winter Gardens are extremely disappointed that the Labour controlled cabinet, and supported by all political groups on the council, refused to consider and support the growth bid to help install a heating system in the Winter Gardens.”

She said the trust would now be putting together a business case to apply for the funding.

Mr Cullinan’s letter also scolded Mrs Archer over her complaints that the council had recently given grants to Lancaster theatres The Dukes and the Grand.

He wrote: “Please avoid peripheral arguments relating to other arts organisations as they are not helpful.